Zimbabwe’s Most Controversial Year In History – 2012‏
27 December 2012
Spread the love

2012 could be Zimbabwe’s most controversial year in the nation’s history. In this article we feature some of the controversies and interesting news leads the nation and its peoples experienced.”
ZIMBABWE: Remembering 2012
ZimEye Special Highlights for 2012.
International Politics

  • President Barak Obama won in the USA
  • President Sata made headlines through his out of taste jokes at the SADC as he “kissed” Mugabe whom he called sekuru while ridiculing other Zimbabwe GPA leaders like Ncube and Tsvangirai
  • President Zuma won in South Africa
  • Julius Malema continued with controversy and his relations with Jacob Zuma reached the lowest ebb as Malema fought hard to discredit Zuma’s presidency using youth platforms. He also made various visits to Zimbabwe to garner support and solidarity. In the U.K he was not able to travel because of visa restrictions, and when he was later allowed entry, his glorious fame was shortlived. He attempted to orchestrate  Zuma’s downfall through a mass campaign which however turned bitter resulting in criminal investigations being opened. As Zuma won re-election, the loquacious Malema repented and sought re-entry into the ANC youth leadership as a reformed person.

Zimbabwe Politics
Arthur Mutambara
He continued to seek political relevance after parting ways with Welshman Ncube through an election in party structures. His Deputy PM role was heavily challenged and questioned by the public especially as he appeared to be “protected” by President Mugabe in major meetings and appearances. Welshman Ncube continued to fight using diplomatic channels, the courts and press as he saw no need for Mutambara to be in the GNU tripartite when he had no electoral mandate to be there. At a SADC meeting in Maputo, even President Mugabe who wanted to defend Mutambara’s status had his ego pruned as the SADC leaders failed to notice the continued relevance of Mutambara after the re-defined political structures in MDC-N. Ncube continued to assert that Mutambara had lost an in-house election for leadership, had acknowledged it and therefore had no standing as an MDC-N leader before the GNU.
 
Morgan Tsvangirai
His presence and struggle to rule Zimbabwe took a more defined shape as he used internet technology to reach out to diverse folks. He continued to be relevant and conspicuous in Zimbabwe politics as the only possible major threat to Zanu PF. Despite his intermittent vacillations, he still remained the best opposition party on site and had the potential to rule Zimbabwe. The PM drew considerable controversy with the Leocadia Karimatsenga “marriage” and the subsequent divorce. After that he went on to marry Elizabeth Macheka and the wedding was melodramatic as it had objections that roped in the High Court and many public interest groups. Finally the issue was settled out of court in the last quarter of the year and the PM went back to his political business.
 
Welshman Ncube
His MDC-N had a fair share of praises especially after it penetrated some remote Matabeleland areas and donated some agriculture inputs and blankets. The gesture Ncube did irked other political leaders who were left with no option but to criticize him and then start doing the same project a few months later to win the hearts of the electorate. Along the way he was accused of improperly awarding a tender for the operations at ZISCO but those pointing at him quickly had their allegations fizzled out as they later learnt that the tender procedure had gone through parliament for approval. The Ncube-led MDC continued to fight for the Deputy PM seat with Arthur Mutambara after Mutambara lost an in-house election. Surprisingly, President Mugabe continued to gang up with Tsvangirai of the MDC-T to frustrate Ncube’s bid into the DPM seat.
 
Mthwakazi Freedom Liberation Platform
This political group continued to assert its need to break away for independence from the Zimbabwe territory as it claimed that it had been left out in the quay as progress and development was benefitting Mashonaland under Mugabe and his cronies at the expense of Matabeleland. Acting through Paul Siwela as the Secretary General and other leaders, Mthwakazi continued to air its concerns, grievances and the need to pursue the cessationist agenda. In December 2012, Mthwakazi revealed its flag and the symbol of the flag colors. By December the party had some internal squabbles leading to splinter groups attributed to alleged infiltration by the CIO agents.
 
Job Sikhala
He continued to issue controversial statements and making fun of ZANU PF leadership as well as the MDC T that he saw as an emerging duplicate of ZANU PF. He kept arguing that he had better solutions for the economy than any other leader on the election menu. President Mugabe acknowledged Sikhala as one of those lost sons who could be forgiven and empathized with for his wayward thoughts. Some critics viewed him as a vibrant student leader who needed more time to earn credit to lead national politics.
 
Simba Makoni
He went on with his agenda to salvage the situation in Zimbabwe as he held meetings in the UK and in Zimbabwe. While many perceived him as a potentially great leader, some critics demanded that he be a bit more serious through public outreach programs so that he could be more visible. Some suggested that his party focuses more on all political parties on the field rather than dedicate the MKD energy against the MDC-T.
 
Commerce

  • TN Holdings led by Tawanda Nyambira acquired Oliver Chidhawu’s Pelhams Furniture stores.
  • Out of the diamond exports of US$563 million by October, only US$43 million had been remitted to treasury and the government was slow in designing the Diamond Legal Framework.Zimbabwe became the state with the lowest inflation rate in SADC at 2,99%.  This could be triggered by a laid back industry.

 

  • Indigenisation continued to take strides as more companies complied with the ownership ratios.

 

  • As an unprecedented gesture of appreciation by Zanu PF after countless complaints by the Korekore for being taken for a ride by the party, the indigenization program arranged by word of mouth for PPC’s subsidiary Portland Holdings to invest at least US$200 million towards construction of a new cement plant in Rushinga, Mashonaland Central. This was the first ever in 32 years to have something feasible come on paper to the down-trodden Korekore folks in the region from Zanu PF. 2013 would be a test phase to see if this could actually happen.
  • Former Murray & Roberts (M&R) Zimbabwe CEO Canada Malunga, Paddy Zhanda, a South African executive Sam Sithole, and Michael McCulloch acquirde M&R Zimbabwe through Zumbani Capital hat bought a 47% stake.

 

  • The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe raised minimum capital requirements for banks to US$100 million as a security measure to protect depositors’ funds

 

  • Tawanda Nyambirai relinquished his chairmanship of Econet Holdings and his bank was merged into Econet.

Social
PM Morgan Tsvangirai married his sweetheart Elizabeth Macheka amid controversy that saw them in and out of courts as Leocardia Karimatsenga sought to block the marriage proceedings from being consummated.
Munyaradzi Kereke, RBZ governor Gideon Gono’s adviser, is fired from the central bank and made loud noise to and from town alleging that he helped Dr. Gideon Gono in writing assignments for Gono’s PhD program as he threatened to call for the nullification of his credentials.
Obituaries

  • Businessman Sam Levy of the Sam Levy Village died at 82
  • Minister Stan Mudenge
  • Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu
  • Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sesio Moyo died of heart attack

Accolades
1. Outstanding Reader/Independent Commentator: Bla Miki, Tete Vane Shanje Havakuri & Jumpdaki
2. Outstanding Free Lance Contributors: Herbet Mugwagwa and Farai Mamina
3. Most controversial subscriber: Tendai Tagarira
4. The best Breaking News Issue: The Prince Edward Form One Pupil’s Death
5. Successful Investigations: Aon Zimbabwe Insurance Issue
6. Story of the Year: PM/ Leocardia Karimatsenga Marriage Scandal
7. Political Commentary of the Year: COPAC wikileaks issues and blame games
8. National Scandal of the Year:  The ZIFA Soccer Scandal
9. Most controversial freelance contributor: Fanuel Nsingo
 
Personal Shout Outs
· Fungwa Mawarire…exposed for defrauding folks shipping goods to Zimbabwe from the U.K
· Derrick Chisora Mayhem at Macheso
Controversial Issues

  • Indigenization and Empowerment Debates
  • Chiyadzwa Diamond Issues…blessings or a curse?
  • Sanctions Issues and their impact on Zimbabwean economy
  • The Wedza Political Party Leader Mr. Dzinemunhenzva
  • The MDC 29 facing murder allegations
  • Chipangano violence issues and related public outcry

Most Covered/ Controversial Cabinet Ministers
Saviour Kasukuwere: Indigenization garnered more controversy and analysis as various interpretations of the word came under review. The same theme became Zanu PF’s trump card at the December Conference. The issue was interesting in that at times folks at times had faith in the program but at times became skeptical as enough was not being done to empower people at grassroots levels. Some viewed indigenization as a Zanu PF program to weaken existing industries and fatten Zanu PF top brass as the perishable crumbs of the deal were distributed to gullible grassroots folks.
Ignatius Chombo : Drew much controversy over allegations of excessive interference in the administration of urban councils.
David Coltart: Won considerable accolades for his e-learning programs across the nation as well as his countless efforts to secure more academic materials for school pupils.
Obert Mpofu : He drew considerable controversy as Minister of Mines. After allegations that he bought a bank and also owned some considerable part of Victoria Falls, his name made headlines in various channels. He also was vocal in finding diamond markets as he had a hard time explaining the alleged disappearance of the $2 billion diamond revenue. Finally he simply challenged anyone to prove the funds went missing.
Jonathan Moyo: 2012 could have been the most silent year of this normally vocal MP. His 2012 efforts focused more on writing articles that analyzed and caricatured the conduct of PM Morgan Tsvangirai. By doing so, he shared the platform with George Charamba as they hit a common target to their pleasure and satisfaction.
Emmerson Mnangagwa: He invoked controversy when he sued a publication over allegations that he was aspiring to be the President of Zimbabwe. 2012 was a year that saw him intermittently refute his dire political ambitions for Presidency as he alluded to the in-house ranks to determine the next one in line for leadership roles.
Page Turners

  • Madzore  was released and vowed to keep fighting
  • Anglican-Kunonga Supreme Court case gave a ruling unpalatable to Kunonga
  • Manhood Sangoma Fraudsters in Botswana were arrested and dragged to court

UK Showbiz Visiting Stars

  • Tuku
  • Macheso
  • Tembalami
  • Mukanya

International
London Olympics brought glamor and fun to the UK
Prince William Wedding was everything
Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Diamond Jubilee and Prince Charles delivered a great speech
Prince Harry was video-taped in a birthday suit in Las Vegas
Whitney Houston Died in a hotel. The death came 24 hours before her return performance at a pre-Grammy gala and Tyler Perry assisted with funeral arrangements. Many celebrities thronged the New Jersey funeral that Bobby Brown failed to witness as he came with more guests than could be accommodated on the seats in the church service and he left in protest. Some took it for a publicity stunt.
Lindsey Lohan charge with theft in LA and assault in New York
Jennifer Lopez “J Lo” joined the American Idol
Apple came up with the iPhone 5 and more than 5 million phones were sold in 3 days from September 21-24.
Kim Kardashian became the most searched celebrity after her short marriage with Kris Humphreys of New Jersey Nets
President Obama was –re-elected into office for the second term amid one of the most interesting elections in the USA
Video of the Year:
Gangnam Style made history as it became the world’s most searched and popular video sang in a non-English language.
Social Buzz
Philip Chiyangwa
He drew attention after he pledged millions of dollars at the University of Zimbabwe to re-boost the ailing institution but ironically faced considerable embarrassment as his workforce complained of non-payment of wages in the heat of that pledge. He also lost the capacity to be a ZANU PF leader in Mashonaland West  where he hoped to get back to his old leadership role. He wound up with a controversial honorary Doctorate  conferred to him by St Linus International University headquartered in the Dominican Republic.
 
Zimbabwe Dress Code
For the first time, the dress code of Zimbabwe was put on a spotlight. The picture on which Elizabeth Macheka was putting on a Sari as Minister Biti was putting on a Nigerian hat drew global laughter and mockery as Zimbabwe commentators pointed to Zimbabwe having issues with defining a cultural dress code and a fixed direction. After the commentaries, Elizabeth Macheka was never seen again in the sari, neither was Minister Biti even seen in the media with the Nigerian attire. Later in November, PM Tsvangirai’s Tommy Hilfiger long-sleeve shirt (blue, red and white) was at times confused with the British or US flag and some concerned observers or fashion police questioned too as to why he could dress on the national flag colors of a different sovereignty when he had his own. Unfortunately, no one brought that to his attention and many chose to wait for 2013.
 
Hooker Disappears with Govt. Documents
A headmaster lost public exam papers to a hooker after failing to pay her overnight dues. While the headmaster had entrusted the papers at the front desk of a motel, the disgruntled hooker crooked the front desk person to release the documents and she escaped with them to offset non-payment for overnight sexual favors tendered to the headmaster. The case drew lots of interest and scrutiny but died a natural death after the court system took over.
 
Derrick Chisora
This Zimbabwean boxer fared well on the international scene as he participated in crowd-pulling matches. His only weakness that drew negative publicity was his public misconduct. His last tantrum was at the museve star, Alick Macheso concert where he appeared drunk and caused mayhem on the stage. At the same event he also collected gate-takings before proper accounting procedures were done. As one of the sponsors to the show, Chisora drew sobering public scorn that triggered his team to threaten a journalist to pull down a You Tube video pertaining to his hooligan-style dispositions.
 
Dr. Munyaradzi Kereke
He drew controversy over allegations that he wrote a PhD thesis for Gideon Gono the Reserve bank Governor. After that he kept on trading brick bats with Gono and a lot of other issues arose as he complained of being denied a license to operate a medical Clinic in Mt. Pleasant. He also traded insults with various other folks including Minister Tendai Biti. Finally one of his team members faced forgery allegations over a medical report produced from Parirenyatwa Hospital and was found guilty. Kereke then ran a hoax as he alleged that his family had gone missing and could have been kidnapped.  The issue had a lid over it when Zimbabweans made a public outcry that “loquacious” Kereke should check his mental capacity with psychiatrists because he seemed to be fighting against too many people.
 
 
Car Prices in Zimbabwe
Many commentators continued to question the out-of-this-world values placed on cars when bought on government tenders in Zimbabwe. Any car price was quoted at three times the real price for a brand new one and many readers commented as they were left wondering as to whether the exorbitance could be a sign of greed or a justification of public fraud in inflating prices to enable pocket of the residue.
 
Fraudsters Exposed
The exercise to expose fraudsters hit an all-time high mark when a shipping service fraudster was exposed through complaints of goods paid for but never delivered in Zimbabwe. Many shared similar sentiments and concerns and the man was never heard of again in the business circles.
 Other Interesting Events

  • The rare Zimbabwe National Bird flew to Chiweshe
  • Mai Chisamba disputed an alleged affair with Archbishop Kunonga
  • The Bulawayo water project was obstructed by mermaids
  • Kunonga men had sex in church buildings
  • Lady Gaga was blocked from performing in South Africa as folks protested her alleged satanism and weird conduct
  • John Nkomo death rumors swept through online publications and were quickly withdrawn with countless apologies.
  • Bill Gates visited Zimbabwe to do safari hunting
  • Tsvangirai travelled to the DNC Convention in the USA and to Kenya to address a convetion for Odinga’s party
  • Mudede accused NGOs of planting ghost voters on the roll
  • More people continued to be arrested for insulting President Mugabe
  • Zimbabwe lost 20 000 teachers through brain drain triggered by low pay and poor conditions of service
  • Dhewa’s son Peter Moyo faced theft charges
  • Bill Wharton from Texas became the new US Envoy to Zimbabwe to replace Charles Ray
  • Deportations of UK based Zimbabweans escalated in 2012
  • The UK-based ZimVigil Continued to hold protests in conjunction with the ROHR

 
Religious
Archbishop Nolbert Kunonga
He had a “noisy” year with the media and the Anglican people of Zimbabwe. Having ran a reign of terror that was marked by covetousness and greed on church properties, the Supreme Court toned down his ego when it announced in November 2012 that Kunonga should leave Anglican properties and surrender all assets to the church because he had become a dissident. Some sources alleged that President Mugabe had prescribed Kunonga’s downfall because when Kunonga failed to appeal to the church to rally behind ZANU PF using a polished and civilized manner, Kunonga became wild and pursued personal interests as he ruined the image of ZANU PF. His downfall could have been the most embarrassing incident in 2012. To further decimate Kunonga’s remaining pride, by December, one of his followers, one Kunyongana, broke away from the Kunonga faction as interests differed.
 

We at ZimEye wish you all a booming 2013.

Special thanks to our loyal followers, readers and supporters. We have managed to get this far because of the wide readership that we have enjoyed. In this milestone, we must acknowledge the relevance of you, our stakeholders, including those who have endorsed, sponsored and supported us with independent contributions, news alerts, opinions, analyses, advertisements, press releases, and tips. We must also acknowledge that the political situation in Zimbabwe has kept the citizenry and the political leaders on their toes as hot debates and emotional brickbats have been traded through reader comments. In that exchange of ideas, ZimEye has enjoyed an informed platform where the truth has at times hit home. At times innuendos of truth have been spiced up with sarcasm, satire and humor. All that blend of information has kept our readers fired up and keen to read more. We thank you.
 

14 Replies to “Zimbabwe’s Most Controversial Year In History – 2012‏”

  1. This article impresses me for its demonstration of effort. But to say 2012 was the most controversial year in Zim history misses the point. Honestly, there have been so many other years that have been loaded with greater controversy. I challenge the writer to rethink and revisit the last 33 years.

  2. Pakuti Tsvangson nehembe dzaakanzi apfeke nemakiwa dzeflag dze America neBhiriten ndopane nyayavyese editor. To all zvimbwasungataz ana Jumpdhot, Xoligay, Greydog etc 2013 is yo dooms year. Tichakurovayi hands down pamaelections. Viva Zanu PF

  3. Ki ki ki ki ki ki ki Xolanigoat please spare me this argony of laughter. There is nowhere in Lalapansi where they sell Aussie beer or any other clear beers besides lngwebu and stop Sydneying Lalapansi. And you Pfi Chigay, in your madness you think l can spend a week braaing a porker? That was the beginning, we slaughtered a fat cow, a goat and several chickens. Tohuranga imi muchihurangarira.

  4. Bla Miki arikugocha kanguruve kaatenga pamurungu akasara pa ka purazi ako achiti achabatsira zanu kurima wheat. Akatenga ka nguruve aka ne CIO card.

  5. Bla Mikidog what are you barking again this morning?
    I am busy enjoying my Aussie beers here in Sydney. Good life Bla Mikidiot you will never taste it!

  6. Hey Mujibhadog and Reportergay, you call me shameless, what will you then call the most bed hopper of the year? Doesn’t shameless fit in on Thabitha Khumalo who wanted to form an mdc run company of thigh traders chaired by herself? Editor, on your accolades remove Chitete Chekupenga and Jumpdog. It should be me, Cdes Chando, Sober, Omugabe, Nehondo, Tina, Chigwadziso, Perenz, Taneta Musango, Chegotsi and all the right thinking and revolutionary comrades. Most stupid and meaningless contributions came from Gaygodzva, Mukadog, Nakedog, Jumpdog, Xolanidog, Poor Farmdog and many other mdc idiots

  7. Thanks Zim Eye, but thought this could have been story of the year –
    “Out of the diamond exports of US$563 million by October, only US$43 million had been remitted to treasury”

Comments are closed.